Kabale Health Officials Urge Schools to Enforce SOPs to Combat Mpox

Summary:

• On July 23, 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). To date, Uganda has recorded 11 cases.

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KABALE: Health officials in Kabale District have called on schools to enforce Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to prevent the spread of Mpox as students return to class.

The Kabale District Health Officer, Dr. Gilbert Arinaitwe Mateka, expressed concern over the potential risk of Mpox transmission since learners come from various locations, making it difficult to monitor all sources of infection. He revealed that the health department plans to visit schools within the district to educate administrators on measures to prevent the spread of the virus.

In a bid to combat the spread of Mpox, Health authorities in Kabale, in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), have initiated a campaign to engage journalists in raising public awareness about the disease.The District Health Educator, Alfred Besigensi, announced that screening at the Katuna border has been intensified to detect potential Mpox cases.

Dr. Arinaitwe emphasized that if the public adheres to the SOPs used during the COVID-19 pandemic, Mpox can be effectively managed. He reassured the public that the district has not yet recorded any suspected cases of Mpox.

CUE IN DR ARINAITWE….ON SCHOOLS…..RR//

During a press briefing on the district’s preparedness, Besigensi advised the public to avoid eating wild animals such as squirrels, rats, mice, and monkeys, and to steer clear of sick or dead animals, especially those known to carry the virus. He also urged people to avoid sharing personal items such as bedding, utensils, clothing, phones, and other belongings with individuals showing symptoms of Mpox. Close contact with symptomatic individuals should also be avoided.

Dr. Arinaitwe appealed to the public to remain vigilant and report any suspected Mpox cases in their communities.

CUE IN DR ARINAITWE……ON PUBLIC…….RR//

Kabale Assistant Resident District Commissioner, Martin Niwataho, cautioned both journalists and the public against politicizing the Mpox outbreak. He warned that individuals undermining efforts to combat the virus would face legal action.

CUE IN NIWATAHO…..ON WARNING……ENG//

Signs and Symptoms of Mpox:

Skin rash

Fever

Sore throat

Headache

Body aches

Back pain

Low energy

Swollen lymph nodes

On July 23, 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). To date, Uganda has recorded 11 cases.

Mpox, previously known as Monkeypox, is a viral zoonotic disease that primarily occurs in the tropical rainforest areas of Central and West Africa but can occasionally spread to other regions.